Atanga Nji Cameroun: Addresses Centre Region Insécurité

• Cameroon's Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, convened a security meeting in Yaoundé on October 26, 2026.
• The meeting assessed the escalating security situation in the Centre region following the presidential election on October 12, 2025.
• Officials reported an alarming rise in urban and interurban criminality, including femicides, armed robberies, and organized gangs.
• Additional concerns included drug trafficking, daily fatal moto-taxi accidents, and assaults on passengers by some drivers.
• A follow-up meeting will address urban disorder in Mfoundi, involving the Mayor of Yaoundé and moto-taxi unions, as the state calls for public cooperation.

The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, emphatically reiterated the state's fundamental and sovereign mission: to ensure the protection of its citizens and their property.

On October 26, 2026, Paul Atanga Nji, the Minister of Territorial Administration for Cameroon, convened a critical security meeting in Yaoundé. The primary objective was to thoroughly evaluate the escalating security situation across the Centre region, a review deemed essential in the aftermath of the presidential election held on October 12, 2025. This high-level gathering underscored the government's resolute commitment to addressing the growing challenges of insécurité Centre.

The meeting brought together a formidable assembly of administrative and security leaders. Among the key attendees were the Governor of the Centre region, the Prefect of Mfoundi, the Mayor of Yaoundé, and various regional heads of law enforcement agencies. This collective presence signaled a unified front from the state, determined to implement stringent measures to restore public order and safety.

During the Yaoundé deliberations, officials presented an alarming assessment of the current security landscape. A significant resurgence in both urban and interurban criminality has been observed throughout the Centre region, indicating a broad and pervasive challenge to public safety. This surge in criminal activity encompasses a wide array of offenses, impacting daily life for residents.

Specific concerns highlighted included a disturbing pattern of recurrent femicides reported across several departments within the region. Additionally, citizens face threats from armed assaults occurring both within public transport, particularly taxis, and directly within their homes. The prevalence of armed robberies and aggravated thefts further contributes to the climate of fear and instability.

Beyond these direct threats, the security review also identified the active presence of organized criminal gangs and instances of targeted assassinations. The illicit drug trade continues to pose a significant problem. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the daily occurrence of fatal accidents involving moto-taxis, alongside reports of passengers being assaulted by certain drivers, adding another layer of risk to public mobility and sécurité Yaoundé.

In response to these pressing issues, Minister Paul Atanga Nji announced concrete follow-up actions. A second, dedicated meeting is scheduled to specifically address urban disorder within the Mfoundi department. This focused session will involve the Mayor of Yaoundé and representatives from moto-taxi unions, aiming to devise targeted solutions for the transport sector's contribution to insecurity.

The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, emphatically reiterated the state's fundamental and sovereign mission: to ensure the protection of its citizens and their property. He issued a strong appeal to the general population, urging full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. This collaboration, he stressed, is crucial for identifying and apprehending the criminals who operate within communities, thereby reinforcing collective security efforts across the Centre region and combating criminalité urbaine Cameroun.

This signals a heightened government focus on law enforcement and public order in Cameroon's Centre region, which could lead to increased arrests, stricter application of criminal laws, and potential future regulatory changes affecting businesses and individuals operating in the area. Lawyers should advise clients on potential risks and compliance with evolving security measures.

Source: Original reporting via Journalducameroun.com